Iran’s Leader Pardons, Commutes Sentences of over 600 Convicts

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has granted clemency or commuted the sentences of a number of convicts on the anniversary of Islamic Revolution’s victory.

Ayatollah Khamenei on Wednesday granted clemency or eased the sentences of 631 convicts sentenced by various Iranian courts.

Article 110 of the Constitution grants the country’s Leader the right to pardon or reduce the sentences of convicts upon a recommendation from the head of the Judiciary.

The clemency, however, does not apply to all types of convicts, including those who have been sentenced for their role in armed struggle against the country, armed or organized drug trafficking, rape, armed robbery, arms smuggling, abduction, bribery and embezzlement.

Each year in February, when Iran marks the victory anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei grants an amnesty for a number of prisoners.

On Friday, Iran will mark the 38th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, which put an end to the monarchical rule of the US-backed Pahlavi regime.